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Chondroitin Sulfate for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Chondroitin sulfate is a substance found naturally around your joints. Chondroitin extracted from fish or cow cartilage or produced synthetically in a laboratory is a common alternative treatment for osteoarthritis.

  1. Function

    • Chrondroitin sulfate is a building block for cartilage in your joints, explains RxList. Patients with osteoarthritis experience pain and inflammation due to the destruction of joint cartilage, which is counteracted by the effects of chondroitin.

    Time Frame

    • Chondroitin is considered effective for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis when taken as a dietary supplement for six to 24 months, reports the Mayo Clinic.

    Expert Insight

    • A 2009 study at the University of Aberdeen showed that chondroitin decreased the need for knee joint replacement surgery when taken for 12 months. Chondroitin sulfate was found to be more effective when taken with glucosamine sulfate, another substance that helps to rebuild joint cartilage.

    Risks

    • Possible side effects of chondroitin sulfate include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, swollen eyelids, leg swelling, hair loss, changes in heart rate and severe allergic reactions. There is a fear that cartilage derived from cows that are infected with mad cow disease may be harmful to humans, but there is no record of this occurring, reports RxList.

    Considerations

    • If you have a history of asthma or prostate cancer or if you are pregnant or nursing, it may not be safe for you to take chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis.

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